BRCC scholarship recipient recalls struggles, gives thanks

By Leigh KelleyTimes-News Staff Writer

Wednesday

Sep 19, 2012 at 2:37 PM

FLAT ROCK — Blue Ridge Community College student and scholarship recipient Miguelina M. Davidson recalled a childhood of neglect, an abusive marriage and a second stormy relationship as she spoke to the crowd Wednesday at the BRCC Education Foundation Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon.Those events, coupled with her own battle with drug use, nearly derailed her quest to get an education, the 33-year-old single mother said. She got her GED, successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program, and won custody of her three children along the way — hard-fought victories in her struggle to make something of her life. More importantly, Davidson said, she wanted to set a good example for her children."I want them to learn from my mistakes, not make their own," she said, adding that when she graduates from BRCC in May, she plans to pursue a degree in social work at a four-year university. "For a long time, I didn't think I could do it, but now I know I can."This year's winners received a total of $270,875 in the form of 263 curriculum scholarships through the school's scholarship program, which began in 1993. The annual luncheon allows donors and students to meet one another, said Ann F. Green, executive director of BRCC's Education Foundation.Green congratulated the students, saying, "Today we celebrate the achievements of our students and the leadership of our community. The way to wisdom and self-sufficiency is through a quality education."Davidson was the recipient of the Calvin and Louise Ritterson Scholarship and the Ruby J. Feagan Memorial Scholarship. Evelyn Bowman and her late husband, Robert, created the Ritterson Scholarship and named it for her parents.Sitting at the same table as Davidson and other BRCC students, Bowman said she always enjoys having the opportunity to meet the people her scholarship helps."I felt that my parents worked hard to make sure we got educated and I wanted to pass it along," Bowman said. "And it is such a pleasure to meet these young people, to be able to help them."Joe and Sandra Furr established the J. Daniel Furr Memorial Scholarship three years ago in honor of their son, Daniel, a BRCC student who died of alcohol poisoning. Their scholarship has allowed them to turn their grief into something positive and inform young people about the dangers of underage drinking. "Why share this story on such a day as happy as today? Because it might help someone who thinks this would never happen to them," Mrs. Furr said.The funds donated to the scholarship are raised through the Daniel Furr Memorial Golf Tournament held annually at the Connestee Falls golf course in October.BRCC student Ethan Green, who also spoke at the luncheon, said his scholarship meant the difference between continuing with his education and having to drop out of school due to lack of funds. He received the Ruth H. Crane Scholarship."This generous gift has put my future back in focus again," he said, adding that his goal is to become a U.S. senator. "To the younger generation, I want to remind you that we are the future, so stay dedicated to your dreams."